NHTIC targets $20bn tourism investment

Organisers of the Nigerian Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference, NHTIC, 2015 holding from 25th-27th of November at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos have disclosed that their target is to attract over $20billion worth of foreign investment into the country’s tourism and hospitality industry in the next few years.
This is coming just as all arrangements have been concluded for the second annual Conference 2015 holding in Lagos.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to brief the media on developments that have taken place since the first briefing in Lagos, Brian Efa, managing partner of Jonel Hospitality Consulting, said for now 15 foreign participants have confirmed participation at the event.
Mr. Efa disclosed that out of the 15 participants, 10 are coming from South Africa, 4 from Europe and one from the United States.
He said the event will be declared open by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.
He stated that the NHTIC is working in conjunction with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council and the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, to attract investment into the country.
Efa added that they will also be bringing players from abroad to help in facilitating single digit financing for projects to help the Nigerian investors’ access cheap foreign loans.
Stating further that the conference with the theme, Nigerian Tourism Industry, Catalyst for Economic Diversification, is aimed at growing the industry and create employment.
The managing partner of Jonel Hospitality Consulting said this year’s event is going to be bigger than last year with more foreign participation.
He noted that based on demands, 10 exhibition stands will be created for some of the participants to exhibit.
According to him, the event will feature different breakout sessions, while there would be a speed networking which will allow delegates to meet each other, exchange business cards and move on to meet the next person on Wednesday 25th November.
The three-day event is aimed at bringing international hotel and regional industry experts together to discuss and debate the changing landscape and to help identify intelligent and targeted investment opportunities in the country.